Polymer Bearing Pad Mounting for Hydrostatic Journal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrostatic bearing systems in grinding mills are prone to damage due to loss of oil pressure, requiring expensive pressure accumulators and complex maintenance, and have strict manufacturing tolerances, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A polymer bearing pad system with a mounting mechanism using fasteners and chamfers that allows for secure attachment to a base, providing a fluid seal and reducing the need for pressure accumulators, while being tolerant to oil film loss and journal distortions, and allowing for easy repair and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure accumulator systems are used to prevent bearing damage during power failure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad is designed as a disposable, sacrificial component made from polymer composite material. When damage occurs during power failure or oil pressure loss, the entire bearing pad is replaced rather than repaired, eliminating the need for expensive pressure accumulator systems and complex maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer composite bearing pad inherently provides damage tolerance without requiring external protection systems. The material properties of the bearing pad itself absorb the shock and damage that would otherwise require pressure accumulators to prevent, making the system self-protecting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bronze or white metal bearing pads are used, then manufacturing seal is improved, but ease of repair and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad is segmented as a separate, replaceable component with a mounting portion that attaches to the base. This segmentation allows the bearing pad to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the base or other components, dramatically simplifying repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing pad is made from polymer composite material that combines the sealing properties of traditional metals with the ease of fabrication and replacement of polymers. The composite structure allows for simple mounting features while maintaining the necessary seal and lubrication distribution functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If strict manufacturing tolerances are applied to hydrostatic bearings, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from traditional metal to polymer composite, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing tolerance requirements. The polymer material's inherent flexibility and damping properties allow for broader tolerance ranges while maintaining bearing performance, eliminating the need for expensive precision machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses for oil distribution are formed directly in the bearing pad rather than being machined into the base. This local formation of functional features in the polymer material simplifies manufacturing by eliminating complex multi-step machining operations and tight tolerance requirements on the base structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymer bearing pad system reduces maintenance costs, minimizes waste, and increases operational efficiency by absorbing oil loss effects, allowing for lower lubrication rates and reduced manufacturing costs, while maintaining effective lubrication and protecting the journal and base from damage.
Implementation Method 1
an external oil supply system pumps high-pressure oil to recesses machined into the bearing so that the oil forms a thin film on the bearing pad surface. The resultant hydraulic pressure is sufficient to completely lift the mill journal off the hydrostatic pads and separate the sliding surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
the oil forms a thin film on the bearing pad surface. The resultant hydraulic pressure is sufficient to completely lift the mill journal off the hydrostatic pads and separate the sliding surfaces. Thus, mill actually 'floats' on a film of oil between journal and bearing.
Implementation Method 3
a mounting means for securely mounting said polymer bearing pad to said base
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides improvements to a fluid bearing (11, 12) for a journal (4), one being a polymer bearing pad (17) comprising an outer surface (13), at least one recess (18) for receiving lubricating fluid from a base (14) of said fluid bearing and distributing said lubricating fluid to said outer surface and a mounting means (8, 8A) for securely mounting said polymer bearing pad to said base. Other improvements include a fluid bearing (11, 12) comprising the polymer bearing pad (17), methods of making the polymer bearing pad and fluid bearing, a fluid bearing comprising a polymer bearing pad (17) having a chamfer (37) and a multidirectional fluid bearing (70).